Exodus — Introduction & Outline

No credible argument is found denying that Moses authored the book of Exodus. The author was an eyewitness of the events surrounding the departure from Egypt and there would be no better witness than Moses. Moses names himself as the author in 17:14; 24:4; 25:9; 34:27-28; and 36:1. His authorship is affirmed in other passages in the Old Testament (Deut. 31:9,24; 1 Kings 2:3; Neh. 8:1; 13:1) as well as by Christ's attributions (Mark 7:10; 12:26). The close connection and unity of Exodus with the rest of the Pentateuch confirm that Moses was the author of all five books.

Two views prevail for the date of writing which depends on the date at which the exodus from Egypt is placed: c. 1445 B.C. during the reign of Amenhotep II (1450-1425 B.C.), or c. 1290 during the reign of Rameses II (1299-1232 B.C.). The late date supposes that Rameses II built the Delta cities of Pithom and Ramses mentioned in 1:11. This view also holds that the region of south Transjordan was largely unoccupied in the late fifteenth century in contrast to the reports of settlements there (cf. Num. 20:14-21). Furthermore, it is argued, archeological evidence shows there was widespread destruction in Canaan in the thirteenth but not fifteenth century.

But these arguments can be answered. Ramses was a popular name derived from the Egyptian sun god "Ra", so the city of 1:11 needn't be named for Rameses II. Besides, Moses was eighty years old by the time he confronted Pharaoh (7:7). Rameses II ruled from 1299 to 1232 B.C., thus if the exodus was about 1290, and since the city was built before Moses' birth, there is no room for Moses' eighty years between 1299 and

1290 B.C. In answer to the second argument, some archeological evidence suggests south Transjordan was indeed inhabited. Besides, the reports of inhabitants could refer to military control of these regions by Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites, and not a developed urban life. As for evidence of destruction in the thirteenth century, there are other possibilities such as raiders from Egypt under Nerneptah in 1230 B.C. In the fifteenth century, Israel didn't thoroughly destroy cities, except Jericho, Ai, and Hazor (cf. Josh. 11:13), and according to Scripture, Hazor fell in the time of Joshua (Josh. 11:10-11) and in the time of Deborah and Barak (Judg. 4:2,23-24).

The early date for the exodus is preferred for a number of reasons. 1 Kings 6:1 places the exodus 480 years before Solomon began to build the temple, which was in 967 B.C. Also, Judges 11:26 shows that by the time of Jephthah (c. 1100 B.C.) Israel had been in the land for 300 years. Add to this the forty years in the wilderness, and the exodus is placed in the middle of the fifteenth century. Another witness is Acts 13:17-20 which approximates the time from the exodus to Samuel at 450 years. Samuel died about 1020 B.C. There is also archeological evidence which supports the earlier date, such as that which dates the destruction of Jericho, Ai, and Hazor about 1400 B.C., and other evidence from Egypt which supports the facts of Exodus.

Assuming the early date of 1445 B.C. for the exodus and considering the three month journey from Egypt to Mount Sinai (19:1-2), it would seem Moses wrote the book of Exodus shortly after the events which occurred at Mount Sinai, or about 1445 or 1444 B.C.

Exodus covers the events from before the birth of Moses in 1526 B.C. to the events surrounding Mount Sinai and the building of the tabernacle in 1445 B.C. The book covers the first two forty year periods of Moses' life rather briefly while focusing on the last forty year period when Moses was Israel's leader.

Egypt plays an important role in the book. Egypt consisted of Lower Egypt with its wide delta region and Upper Egypt with its narrow strip of land (c. 12 miles wide) along the Nile river 600 miles south. Egypt prospered as the "bread basket" of the Middle East due to the fertility of the Nile valley.

Egyptian history had its high points of military and cultural progress, as well as its low points, before it was conquered by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C. Joseph's sojourn in Egypt occurred during a golden age under Senusert II (1894-1878 B.C.) and Senusert III (1878- 1871 B.C), but this period was followed by the rule of the foreign Hyksos dynasties (c. 1750- 1570 B.C.). The New Empire period began under Ahmose I of Thebes (1580-1558 B.C) who drove out the Hyksos. Israel's oppression may have begun under the Hyksos and was continued by later Pharaohs fearing foreign rule. Thutmose I (1539-1514 B.C.) probably issued the order to slay all male Hebrew babies at the time of Moses' birth (c. 1526 B.C.; cf. 1:15-16) as a way to stem their growth. His daughter, Hatshepsut, may be the princess who found and raised the baby Moses (2:5-10). She ruled after Thutmose II (1512-1504 B.C) until 1482 B.C. Moses was reared under her prosperous reign until Thutmose III (1504-1450 B.C.) began his rule. He tried to eradicate Hatshepsut's memory from the land--circumstances which may have figured in Moses' flight to Midian. The Pharaoh of the exodus was Amenhotep II (1450-1425 B.C.), who succeeded his father. The next Pharaoh was not his heir apparent, but a later son, which suggests the first had died as the Passover narrative testifies (12:29).

The Egyptians were polytheistic and believed their deities were present in the objects of nature, which led to the worship of animals such as the cat, bull, cow, and crocodile. The plagues of the exodus are often seen as YHWH's mockery of the Egyptian gods. More important deities had large temples built in their honor with powerful priests who influenced the people and politics of Egypt. Egyptians had a firm belief in life after death which caused elaborate preparations for death and burial, especially among the rich and rulers. Israel had evidently adopted Egyptian idolatry (cf. Eze. 20:6-10) which may explain their severe oppression in Egypt as God's chastisement.

The English title "Exodus" comes from the LXX title meaning "departure", which is the central event of the book. The Hebrew title comes from the first phrase in the book, "Now these are the names" and shows the natural connection and continuation of the narrative from Genesis. The book is designed to show how the special people of God chosen in Genesis through Abraham is prepared to become a theocratic nation by divine redemption from Egypt and the giving of the covenant of law through Moses (19:6). After the redemption of the exodus, God gives Israel the law in order to separate His people to Himself and establish His presence among them in the tabernacle.

As God separates and prepares a people for Himself, two major events emerge in Exodus. The first is their redemption from Egypt (1:1-18:27), and the second is their separation to God by the giving of the covenant of law (19:1-31:18). The last third of Exodus shows how the people respond to the covenant of law (32:1-40:38).

The account of Israel's separation to God through redemption describes the deliverance from Egyptian bondage (1:1-18:27). The narrative continues the history of Israel in Egypt after the death of Joseph by relating the circumstances that led to bondage (1:1-22). From these adverse conditions, Moses is introduced to the story (2:1-4:31). His early life (2:1-25) gives evidence of God's providence in his deliverance from death, his upbringing in Pharaoh's court, his relations to his fellow Jews, and his flight into Midian. This is confirmed by his encounter with God on the mountain at Horeb (3:1-4:17) where God reveals His preparation of Moses as the leader of Israel with a divine call. God reveals himself to Moses at the burning bush and identifies Himself as "I AM", the God who is always sufficient for any need at any time. This name denotes a covenant faithfulness of God to His people in need. Moses returns to Egypt with the divine commission and finds initial acceptance among his people (4:18-31).

The actual deliverance of Israel from Egypt's rule (5:1-15:21) is depicted as a challenge to the rule of Pharaoh. Moses' first challenge to Pharaoh's rule is rejected (5:1-11:10). When his first encounter with Pharaoh meets with rejection (5:1-7:7), God reassures him of success on the basis of His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The exodus is thus interpreted in the context of God's faithfulness to His promises to bless Abraham and his descendants. Moses meets continued rejection in spite of authenticating miracles (7:8-13) and a series of divine plagues (7:14-11:10). The plagues, pictured as a polemic against Egyptian gods, serve to intensify the struggle for the rightful rule over Israel. God eventually wins by asserting His unchallengeable sovereignty over life and death in the tenth plague (11:1-10; cf. 12:12).

The actual redemption of Israel from Egyptian rule (12:1-15:21) comes through the institution of the first Passover (12:1-13:16). Israel's redemption from bondage is possible only through the shedding of the blood of a spotless lamb. In this way God establishes and memorializes a pattern of redemption by blood for Israel. The events of the physical redemption from Egypt are a manifestation of God's great power (13:17-15:21). This power is manifested in the wilderness way by the direction of the pillars of cloud and fire. The grand display of God's power and the final usurption of Pharaoh's rule is demonstrated at the Red sea crossing. Here, God distinguishes Himself as Israel's God, YHWH (14:17-18,31). This is also the theme of the Moses's song (15:1-19) which asks, "Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods?" (15:11), and which declares the prerogative of God to restore His rule eternally: "The LORD shall reign forever and ever" (15:18).

The preservation of Israel in the wilderness after the exodus is also a display of God's power and faithfulness toward His people (15:22-18:27). His care for them is proved in the provision for their physical needs of water, food, and military victory (15:22-17:16). God is faithful to His people in spite of their complaining and unbelief which affirms that the Abrahamic covenant promise is unconditional. Israel's initial organization in the wilderness is seen by the delegation of Moses' judicial authority to able men in the congregation (18:1-27). The full organization and separation of Israel to their God is confirmed and legislated in the subsequent giving of the law.

The separation of Israel to God by the covenant of law takes place in the wilderness at Sinai (19:1-31:18). God declares that the purpose of the covenant with Israel is to make them "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (19:6). Thus the law is given to consecrate Israel to God's purpose and plan of bringing to fruition his covenant promises. The giving of the covenant of law (19:1-24:11) begins with this explanation and the sanctification of the people (19:1-25). The revelation of the law (20:1-23:33) is introduced with ten basic commandments governing an individual's responsibilities to God and his responsibilities to other men (20:1-17). God also includes the initial instructions for sacrifice by which the Israelites may approach God (20:18- 26). The specific judgments of the law (21:1-23:33) encompass the Israelites' social obligations (21:1-22:15), moral obligations (22:16-23:9), religious obligations (23:10-19), and obligations pertaining to the conquest of Canaan (23:20-33). This covenant of law is then ratified by the affirmation of the people and the sprinkling of blood, after which God's special presence with Israel is revealed to Moses and other leaders (24:1-11).

The instructions for worship under the covenant of law (24:12-29:46) continue to legislate Israel's separation to God and prepare her for the habitation of God with them in the tabernacle. The instructions concerning the building of the tabernacle are given to Moses on Mount Sinai (24:12-27:21). The design of the tabernacle and its furnishings (25:10-27:19) pictures the redemption, cleansing, and provision of God for His people. Likewise, this is pictured in the instructions for the clothing and consecration of the priests (28:1-29:46). Israel must approach their God on His terms which includes the shedding of blood and the mediation of priests.

The final instructions of this section concern the institution of the covenant of law (30:1-31:18). God conveys instructions for the careful use of the tabernacle (30:1-38) and the careful construction of the tabernacle (31:12-18). The Sabbath is given as a sign of the covenant of God with His people so that "you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you" (31:13).

The last third of Exodus describes Israel's response to the covenant of law (32:1- 40:38). The first response is one of disobedience (32:1-33:23), manifested through worship of the golden calf (32:1-35). In this incident, God's wrath is assuaged by Moses' reminder of the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to multiply their descendants and give them a land (32:13-14). The promises of God to His people is also the basis of the promise of God's presence with them as an assurance that the nation is His (33:1-23). At the giving of the second set of tablets to Moses, God renews His covenant with Israel (34:1-35) which displays His mercy and grace to a nation which is exceedingly sinful (34:6-9). With the covenant renewed, Israel is now ready to obey its requirements (35:1-40:38).

Obedience begins with an offering for the tabernacle (35:4-36:7) and continues with the actual construction of it, its furnishings, and the necessary priestly clothes (36:8-40:33). The final habitation of God in the tabernacle confirms His special relationship to Israel as His chosen people (40:34-38). Thus Exodus describes how Israel was redeemed from bondage by the power of God and was established in a new relationship to Him by separation through the the covenant of law as God continues His redemptive program for man.

1. Israel is Separated to God by Deliverance from Egypt. 1:1-18:27

   1. The bondage of Israel under Egypt's rule 1:1-22

      1. The growth of Israel in Egypt after Joseph 1:1-7
      2. The affliction of Israel under a new pharaoh 1:8-14
      3. The plot to kill Israel's male children 1:15-22
   2. The preparation of Moses to lead Israel 2:1-4:31

      1. His preparation in early life 2:1-25

         1. He is saved from murder. 2:1-10
         2. He tries to save by murder. 2:11-15
         3. He helps the Priest of Midian's daughters. 2:16-22
         4. Israel calls out to God. 2:23-25
      2. His preparation in the call of God 3:1-4:17

         1. God appears in the burning bush. 3:1-6
         2. God calls Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt. 3:7-10
         3. God answers Moses' objections. 3:11-4:17
         1. "Who am I?" 3:11-12
         2. “What is His name?" 3:13-22
         3. “They will not believe me." 4:1-9
         4. "I am not eloquent." 4:10-17
      3. His preparation in the journey to Egypt 4:18-31

         1. Moses returns to Egypt. 4:18-23
         2. Moses escapes God's wrath. 4:24-26
         3. Moses is accepted by Israel. 4:27-31
   3. The deliverance of Israel from Egypt's rule 5:1-15:21

      1. Moses' challenge to Egyptian rule is rejected. 5:1-11:10

         1. His words rejected 5:1-7:7

            1. The rejection of Moses 5:1-23
            1. The rejection by Pharaoh 5:1-14
            2. The rejection by Israel 5:15-21
            3. The question by Moses 5:22-23
            2. The reassurance of Moses 6:1-9
            3. The recommissioning of Moses 6:10-7:7
            1. The instruction to return to Pharaoh 6:10-13
            2. The family of Moses and Aaron 6:14-27
            3. The answer to Moses' objection 6:28-7:7
         2. His miracles rejected 7:8-13
         3. His plagues rejected 7:14-11:10

            1. First plague: waters become blood 7:14-25
            2. Second plague: frogs 8:1-15
            3. Third plague: lice 8:16-19
            4. Fourth plague: flies 8:20-32
            5. Fifth plague: livestock diseased 9:1-7
            6. Sixth plague: boils on man and beast 9:8-12
            7. Seventh plague: hail 9:13-35
            8. Eighth plague: locusts 10:1-20
            9. Ninth plague: darkness 10:21-29
            10. Tenth plague: death announced 11:1-10
      2. Israel is redeemed from Egyptian rule. 12:1-15:21

         1. Redemption through the Passover 12:1-13:16

            1. Instructions for the Passover 12:1-20
            2. Participation in the Passover 12:21-30
            3. Freedom through the Passover 12:31-42
            4. Regulations from the Passover 12:43-13:16
            1. For the Passover feast 12:43-51
            2. For the Feast of Unleavened Bread 13:1-10
            3. For the consecration of the firstborn 13:11-16
         2. Redemption through the power of God 13:17-15:21

            1. His power in the wilderness way 13:17-22
            2. His power at the Red Sea 14:1-31
            1. Egypt's pursuit 14:1-9
            2. Israel's rebellion 14:10-14
            3. The Red Sea parted 14:15-31
            3. His power praised in song 15:1-21
            1. The song of Moses 15:1-19
            2. The song of Miriam 15:20-21
   4. The preservation of Israel in the wilderness 15:22-18:27

      1. Preservation by provision 15:22-17:16

         1. Provision of water at Marah 15:22-27
         2. Provision of food 16:1-36
         1. Israel's complaint 16:1-3
         2. God's promise 16:4-12
         3. God's provision 16:13-31
         4. God's memorial 16:32-36
         3. Provision of water in Rephidim 17:1-7
         4. Provision of victory against Amalek 17:8-16
      2. Preservation by organization 18:1-27

         1. Jethro's journey to see Moses 18:1-6
         2. Jethro's meeting with Moses 18:7-12
         3. Jethro's advice to Moses 18:13-27
2. Israel is Separated to God by a Covenant of Law. 19:1-31:18

   1. The giving of the covenant of law 19:1-24:11

      1. The preparation of the people to receive the law 19:1-25

         1. The explanation of the law's purpose 19:1-9
         2. The sanctification of the people 19:10-15
         3. The approach to Mount Sinai 19:16-25
      2. The revelation of the law 20:1-23:33

         1. The ten commandments of the law 20:1-17

            1. Commandments relating to God 20:1-11
            2. Commandments relating to men 20:12-17
         2. The provision for approaching God 20:18-26

            1. The fear of the people 20:18-21
            2. The law of the altar 20:22-26
         3. The judgments of the law 21:1-23:33

            1. Social regulations 21:1-22:15
            1. Personal rights 21:1-32
            2. Property rights 21:33-22:15
            2. Moral regulations 22:16-23:9
            1. Moral conduct 22:16-31
            2. Just conduct 23:1-9
            3. Religious regulations 23:10-19
            1. The law of sabbaths 23:10-13
            2. The three annual feasts 23:14-19
            4. Conquest regulations 23:20-33
      3. The ratification of the law 24:1-11

         1. The ratification through blood 24:1-8
         2. The revelation of God 24:9-11
   2. The instructions for worship under the covenant of law 24:12-29:46

      1. The instructions about the tabernacle 24:12-27:21

         1. The revelation given on Mount Sinai 24:12-18
         2. The collection of building materials 25:1-9
         3. The design of the tabernacle 25:10-27:19

            1. The ark of the covenant 25:10-22
            2. The table of showbread 25:23-30
            3. The golden lampstand 25:31-40
            4. The tabernacle itself 26:1-37

               1. The curtains of linens 26:1-14
               2. The boards and sockets 26:15-30
               3. The inner veil 26:31-35
               4. The outer screen 26:36-37
            5. The altar of burnt offerings 27:1-8
            6. The court of the tabernacle 27:9-19
         4. The maintenance of the lampstand 27:20-21
      2. The instructions about the priests 28:1-29:46

         1. The clothing of the priests 28:1-43

            1. The command to make clothing 28:1-4
            2. The design of the clothing 28:5-43
            1. The ephod 28:5-14
            2. The breastplate 28:15-30
            3. The robe of the ephod 28:31-35
            4. The turban 28:36-38
            5. The tunic 28:39-41
            6. The trousers 28:42-43
         2. The consecration of the priests 29:1-46

            1. The preparation for the offerings 29:1-9
            2. The procedure for the offerings 29:10-34
            3. The perpetuation of the offerings 29:35-46
   3. The instructions for institution of the covenant of law 30:1-31:18

      1. The instructions for using the tabernacle 30:1-38
      1. The altar of incense 30:1-10
      2. The ransom money 30:11-16
      3. The bronze laver 30:17-21
      4. The anointing oil 30:22-33
      5. The incense 30:34-38
      2. The artisans for building the tabernacle 31:1-11
      3. The sign of the covenant: The Sabbath 31:12-18
3. Israel responds to the Covenant of Law. 32:1-40:38

   1. The disobedience of Israel to the covenant of law 32:1-33:23

      1. Israel's sin with the golden calf 32:1-35

         1. The idolatry of the people 32:1-6
         2. The anger of God 32:7-10
         3. The response of Moses 32:11-35
         1. His intercession for the people 32:11-14
         2. His anger with the people 32:15-24
         3. His discipline of the people 32:25-29
         4. His atonement for the people 32:30-35
      2. God's presence with Israel assured 33:1-23

         1. God removes Himself from Israel's midst. 33:1-11
         1. God rebukes Israel. 33:1-6
         2. Moses meets with God outside the camp. 33:7-11
         2. God assures Moses of His presence with Israel. 33:12-23
         1. Moses receives assurance. 33:12-16
         2. Moses will see God's glory. 33:17-23
   2. The renewal of the covenant of the law 34:1-35

      1. The making of two new tablets 34:1-4
      2. The presence of God with Moses 34:5-9
      3. The renewal of the covenant 34:10-28
      1. Instructions about the possession of Canaan 34:10-17
      2. Instructions about ceremonial worship 34:18-26
      3. Instructions about recording these words 34:27-28
      4. The return of Moses 34:29-35
   3. The obedience of Israel to the covenant of law 35:1-40:38

      1. Israel brings offerings for the tabernacle. 35:1-36:7

         1. The announcement of Sabbath regulations 35:1-3
         2. The appeal of Moses 35:4-19
         1. For building materials 35:4-9
         2. For skilled workmen 35:10-19
         3. The response of the people 35:20-36:7
         1. The generous offering collected 35:20-29
         2. The skilled workmen selected 35:30-36:1
         3. The overwhelming offering limited 36:2-7
      2. Israel builds the tabernacle. 36:8-40:33

         1. The construction of the tabernacle 36:8-38:20

            1. The curtains 36:8-19
            2. The boards 36:20-34
            3. The veils 36:35-38
            4. The ark of the covenant 37:1-9
            5. The table of showbread 37:10-16
            6. The gold lampstand 37:17-24
            7. The altar of incense 37:25-29
            8. The altar of burnt offerings 38:1-7
            9. The bronze laver 38:8
            10. The court of the tabernacle 38:9-20
         2. The inventory of the tabernacle 38:21-31
         3. The making of the priestly clothes 39:1-31

            1. The ephod 39:1-7
            2. The breastplate 39:8-21
            3. The robe of the ephod 39:22-26
            4. The tunics 39:27-29
            5. The turban 39:30-31
         4. The inspection of the tabernacle 39:32-43
         5. The erection and arrangement of the tabernacle 40:1-33

            1. God's instructions 40:1-16
            2. Moses' obedience 40:17-33
      3. God comes to dwell in the tabernacle. 40:34-38